Pickleball, a sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is experiencing a surge in popularity throughout Ecuador. While an official count of clubs remains unavailable, the sport has a visible presence in cities including Quito, Guayaquil, Santo Domingo, Portoviejo, and Cotacachi, largely driven by the influence of expats who introduced the game.

A Sport for All Ages and Abilities

The accessibility of pickleball is a key factor in its growth. It is a sport that all kinds of people can play, be they children, adolescents and even elderly people, since you do not need great physical condition to practice it, says Maria Emilia Ubidia, a player in Cotacachi for two years. Cristian Cerpa, a standout player, adds, Compared to other sports, in this it is possible to exercise without fear of injury. Strategy is prioritized over power, expanding its appeal across generations.

Growing Community and International Ambitions

In Cotacachi alone, there are approximately 100 members between nationals and foreigners. Club leaders are actively working on a project to select players to represent Ecuador in international tournaments. However, a significant obstacle remains: The main obstacle is institutional support. In small cities the sports budget is limited. While clubs generate their own sponsorships, additional support is needed to compete internationally.

The Curious Origins of Pickleball

The game was born in 1965 in the northwest of the United States when Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell improvised a match on a badminton court to entertain their families. Barney McCallum later helped write the first rules.

BBC

The name Pickleball has two proposed origins: either from Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, or the nautical term pickle boat. The dog story is the more widely circulated explanation. The sport is played on a court similar to a badminton court, using solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball, with the first player to reach 11 points in three sets declared the winner.

From Federation Disputes to Olympic Dreams

The sport’s growth was initially hampered by a fractured international governing structure. For years, the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP), the World Pickleball Federation (WPF), and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) coexisted, complicating global consolidation and delaying its inclusion in events like the Olympic Games.

Recent developments offer renewed hope. In June 2025, members of the IFP and WPF voted unanimously for unification, creating a single world federation. This move, the result of extensive collaboration, paves the way for integration with the GPF. Llaily Criollo highlights the significance, This sport is experiencing great growth at a national and international level and it is very exciting to know that at some point the club will be able to represent the country in the Olympic Games. Stacey Loesch, a pioneer in Cotacachi, adds, There is a high level of players in Ecuador, the only thing that is needed is lose your fear, gain an empty court and start practicing it more rigorously.

Ecuadorian pickleball now looks to 2032 with renewed ambition.

Pro Tip

Pickleball emphasizes precision and placement over raw power. Focus on strategic shot selection and consistent ball control to improve your game.

FAQ

• What is pickleball? It’s a paddle sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
• Is pickleball easy to learn? Yes, it’s accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
• Where can I play pickleball in Ecuador? Courts are available in Quito, Guayaquil, Santo Domingo, Portoviejo, and Cotacachi.